Project by Mitchell Bifeld and Solbritt Gateman
Abstract In this paper, we discuss the gamification of interactive sound media in the physical realm by analyzing a game we developed for the Sound Forest installation at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts. This installation involves interactive strings with auditory and visual stimuli, and this project utilizes this in a game that mimics the classic children’s memorization game ”Simon”. Through this project, we looked at how sound pitches can be translated to physical spaces, in particular analyzing the effectiveness of mapping pitch to vertical height. We also utilized our memory game to see how lights and colors can be used as a complement to game-like sound effects and how auditory and visual stimuli can improve comprehension and elicit desired emotional reactions in physical games. Our project’s end result is a complete memory game that is ready for deployment at the Sound Forest installation, and our findings demonstrate how future interactive physical games can utilize sounds and visuals to improve overall comprehension and enjoyment.